In everything weight-loss related that I have been reading lately, I have seen lots of conflicting messages regarding caffeine and its effect on weight loss efforts. One article I read reported that moderate levels of caffeine can be helpful in stimulating the metabolism, therefore helping the body to burn more calories during the day (albeit a small amount). I also read, however, that caffeine can raise the body's insulin levels, which can cause hunger, cravings, etc.

Right now, I don't drink obscene amounts of caffeine, but it's pretty consistent. As the warmer weather approaches, however, I usually brew and drink iced tea frequently. I guess my question is, should I consider going fully decaf, or just keep on with what I am drinking? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

Well, if caffiene is detrimental to weight loss I am in big trouble!! (I work for a large coffee company )

Basically, what I understand anyway is that too much coffee or tea can dehydrate you, so you should be sure to have equal amounts of water vs. caffienated beverages. Also, it's important to note what you put IN your caffiene drinks... if you are drinking double-shot frappuccinos every day then ... yeah, it's going to harm your weight loss efforts! If you are drinking black coffee/ tea with no sugar or milk... I don't see the harm.

When I started WW in 1999 and reached my goal weight in 2001 I never changed my caffiene habits whatsoever. I did however up my water intake and drank less alcohol.

Like you said, there are a lot of conflicting messages out there... what you could do is limit or cut out your caffiene for a week and see if it affects your weight loss any (along with following your plan ). Then the next week, do your normal bevvies and up your water intake to 1 cup extra per cup of coffee or tea. Honestly? I don't think it has that huge of an impact either way.

Best of luck to you!!

Speaking of conflicting messages...more recent studies have shown that caffeinated beverages do NOT dehydrate you as much as was once thought. While caffeine does have a bit of a diuretic effect, the amount in most beverages is not enough to even negate the liquid contained in that same beverage (this would be true for your average coffe/tea/soda--I wouldn't count on it for things like "energy drinks" or other funky concoctions that are OVERloaded with caffeine).

In any case, just like almost everything else, some people may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others. I lost 50 pounds at one point just fine while including at least 3 cans of diet soda a day (not caffeine free). Some will have opposite stories, that they couldn't successfully lose UNTIL they cut the caffeine. And so, just like everything else on this convoluted weight loss path, it's a matter of personal trial and error

I don't know about weightloss but there is a small article in this months Women's Health magazine (pg 28) that says "2 cups of coffee may cut postworkout muscle soreness" though!

When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I read that caffeine often aggravated the condition, so I cut out caffeine for about a year. I didn't notice any dramatic difference, and when I was still having lots of fatigue, both my family doctor and neurologist suggested I add back the caffeine and see if that helped.

It helped the fatigue AND the pain (caffeine is often the "extra strength" ingredient in OTC pain relievers), so now when I drink my diet teas and sodas I joke that it's "for medicinal purposes only."

Caffeine is also one of the "secret ingredients" in appetite suppresants like Dexatrim. I know that when I don't have my morning cup of coffee, I start getting hungry about an hour earlier than usual, and often eat more than I planned. So while I don't like to drink a LOT of coffee, I do have one cup (well, more like one mug) in the morning.

I would think it doesn't really matter as long as you are also getting your water.

I used to drink coffee and I still was fat, so I don't think it helps with weight loss. On the other hand, I don't think it hurts either. I drink 3-4 cups of hot green tea daily.